Few things in life are as comforting as a bowl of pasta. Whether it’s a creamy fettuccine Alfredo, a classic spaghetti and meatballs, or a spicy penne arrabbiata, pasta is the go-to comfort food for millions of Americans. And while there’s no replacing a homemade Italian meal passed down from generations, sometimes you just want to grab a quick bowl of your favorite noodles without spending hours in the kitchen.
That’s where pasta chains come in. Across the U.S., a wide range of restaurant chains—from casual spots to fast-casual innovators—are serving up pasta dishes that are worthy of your fork. We’ve tasted, twirled, and carb-loaded our way through the most popular pasta chains in America to bring you the ultimate ranking. From sauce quality to noodle texture, from portion sizes to overall vibes, here’s how these pasta purveyors stack up.
15. Fazoli’s
Once a fast-casual staple in many towns, Fazoli’s has seen better days. Known for its drive-thru pasta and unlimited breadsticks, Fazoli’s tries hard to deliver Italian-American favorites at lightning speed. While their baked ziti and spaghetti are serviceable, the sauce often feels overly processed, and the pasta can lean toward overcooked. Still, it’s cheap, fast, and satisfies in a pinch.
Best Bet: Baked Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Vibe Check: Mall food court nostalgia
14. Sbarro
Ah, Sbarro. The iconic slice-and-pasta joint you find in just about every mall food court. While its New York-style pizza usually gets the spotlight, Sbarro also serves up baked ziti, spaghetti, and lasagna. The pasta is nothing to write home about—it’s heavy, cheesy, and comforting in a “I’ve been shopping for five hours and need carbs now” kind of way.
Best Bet: Baked Ziti
Vibe Check: Mall rat realness with a side of marinara
13. Bertucci’s
With its brick oven charm and sit-down atmosphere, Bertucci’s feels like a more mature option. However, despite its welcoming vibe, the pasta dishes often fall short in flavor. Sauces can be bland, and the texture inconsistent. But their rolls are addictive and their Alfredo sauce is decent.
Best Bet: Shrimp Rossini
Vibe Check: Family dinner meets casual Italian date night
12. Romano’s Macaroni Grill
Romano’s has always tried to bridge casual dining with upscale Italian, offering wine bottles on the table and a more refined menu. The presentation is strong, but the pasta tends to miss the mark—either too salty or too oily. Still, they get points for creativity with some fun pasta combos.
Best Bet: Penne Rustica
Vibe Check: A date night option if Olive Garden is too crowded
11. Brio Italian Grille
Brio brings a more elegant atmosphere, with an emphasis on Tuscan-inspired dishes. The pasta here is generally fresh, but the seasoning is hit or miss. Some dishes shine (especially their mushroom ravioli), while others are overly reliant on cream and cheese.
Best Bet: Pasta alla Vodka
Vibe Check: Italian restaurant with upscale mall energy
10. Bravo! Italian Kitchen
Bravo! is Brio’s sister brand, and their menus are similar. Where Bravo! edges out Brio is in consistency and customer service. The pasta is solid, the portions are generous, and there’s a bit more boldness in their seasoning.
Best Bet: Lobster Ravioli
Vibe Check: A fancy-feeling chain that still feels cozy
9. Pizza Hut (Pasta Line)
You might be surprised to see Pizza Hut make the list, but their Tuscani Pastas—like the Chicken Alfredo and Meaty Marinara—have earned a loyal fanbase. They’re oven-baked, super cheesy, and totally indulgent. No, it’s not fine dining, but it hits the spot, especially when paired with a cheesy breadstick.
Best Bet: Meaty Marinara
Vibe Check: Guilty pleasure in a takeout box
8. The Old Spaghetti Factory
A beloved west coast chain that’s been around for decades, The Old Spaghetti Factory wins points for atmosphere—think vintage decor and trolley car seating. The menu is affordable and includes full meals (salad, bread, and dessert) for a budget-friendly price. Their Mizithra cheese and browned butter pasta is surprisingly unique and tasty.
Best Bet: Spaghetti with Mizithra Cheese
Vibe Check: Whimsical family favorite with retro charm
7. Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Carrabba’s brings the flavor, no doubt. Their sauces taste homemade, their pasta is cooked al dente, and the flavors are bold without being overbearing. It’s one of the more reliable mid-tier Italian chains, and their specials often offer good value.
Best Bet: Fettuccine Carrabba
Vibe Check: Cozy, elevated, and flavorful
6. Olive Garden
The most iconic Italian-American chain in the country couldn’t be left out. Olive Garden is famous for its never-ending breadsticks and unlimited salad, but the pasta still holds its own. The Tour of Italy (featuring lasagna, chicken parm, and fettuccine Alfredo) is the ultimate sampler, and their Alfredo sauce is legendary for a reason.
Best Bet: Chicken Alfredo or Tour of Italy
Vibe Check: Suburban date night and birthday dinners since the ’90s
5. Buca di Beppo
If you want over-the-top Italian kitsch with family-style servings that could feed a small army, Buca’s your place. The red sauce is rich, the portions are massive, and the decor is straight out of an Italian-American fever dream. It’s not subtle, but it’s a party every time.
Best Bet: Spaghetti with Meatballs
Vibe Check: Loud, proud, and family-friendly fun
4. Noodles & Company
This fast-casual chain isn’t strictly Italian—it blends global noodle dishes—but its pasta offerings deserve praise. From Wisconsin Mac & Cheese to Penne Rosa, Noodles & Company delivers consistent, flavorful meals that are fast and affordable. Bonus points for gluten-free and low-carb options.
Best Bet: Penne Rosa with Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
Vibe Check: Quick, casual, and surprisingly satisfying
3. Eataly
Technically more of a marketplace than a single restaurant chain, Eataly earns its spot for quality and authenticity. With multiple locations in major cities, Eataly serves up fresh, handmade pasta in chic food hall environments. Everything from tagliatelle to gnocchi is done right, with imported ingredients and expert technique.
Best Bet: Tagliatelle al Ragù
Vibe Check: Upscale food court meets Italian paradise
2. Maggiano’s Little Italy
Maggiano’s offers old-school Italian-American comfort food with generous portions, white tablecloths, and a menu full of classics. Everything feels just a little more polished here—from the homemade sauces to the garlic bread with cheese. Their “Marco’s Meal for Two” is a steal and includes pasta to take home.
Best Bet: Mom’s Lasagna
Vibe Check: Classy but welcoming, perfect for celebrations
1. North Italia
Coming in at number one is North Italia. This modern Italian chain has been expanding rapidly thanks to its sleek decor, scratch-made pasta, and trendy cocktail menu. Every dish feels thoughtfully crafted—from the squid ink mafaldine to the classic Bolognese. It’s elevated without being pretentious, and the flavors speak for themselves.
Best Bet: Short Rib Radiatori
Vibe Check: Modern, chic, and crave-worthy
Final Thoughts
Pasta is one of those universal dishes that brings people together, no matter how you like it served. Whether you’re reaching for creamy Alfredo, spicy arrabbiata, or gooey baked ziti, there’s a pasta chain out there ready to serve you up a plate of comfort. While some chains stick to the basics and others push the boundaries, each has its own flavor of charm. So grab a fork, twirl up a bite, and enjoy the carb-loaded ride.